The Netherlands-India Association dates back to April 1951. During its past half a century history, its character and composition have changed considerably. The Association was created by a group of Dutch individuals, mostly academics, interested in the rich and diverse historical, cultural, social, religious, philosophical and spiritual aspects of India. In the beginning, membership of the Association was confined largely to the Dutch community because the Indian population in the Netherlands was rather scarce. Primarily, the Association was more concerned with academic activities such as organizing lectures, talks, debates and seminars highlighting the various aspects of Indian religions, culture and philosophy.

Late 1960s coincided with considerable change in the number of Indians living in the Netherlands and by 1969, their number rose significantly. This change marked a new phase in the history of the Association; the composition and character of the Association naturally but gradually started to reflect the socio-cultural interests of its Indian membership too. Its Constitution, written and adopted in June 1973, reflects this important change. The Netherlands-India Association has come a long way since its creation in 1951 but has always endeavoured to contribute actively to the development of Indo-Dutch cultural relations and to the strengthening of such bilateral ties.

Dear NIA members,

After a long harsh winter, we are ready to welcome the spring season. We would also be pleased to welcome the new Ambassador of India to The Netherlands
H.E. Mr Manbir Singh and his wife on this occasion. NIA invites you and your partner to the very first event of this year.

Date: Sunday, 10th May 2009
Time: 16:00 hours
Place: Cultureel Centrum Sportfondsen
.............Prinses Marijkelaan 4
............ 2252 HH Voorschoten

H.E. Mr. Manbir Singh, Ambassador of India to The Netherlands, has accepted our invitation to be our chief guest on this occasion.

The programme is as follows:
16:00 hrs. to 17:00 hrs.      Meet and Greet
17:00 hrs  to 18:00 hrs       Speeches and Cultural Programme
18:00 hrs. to 20.00 hrs.      Contributory Buffet Dinner
                                           .....Members € 15.00 and Non-Members: € 20.00

Drinks will be available for € 1.50 per beverage, except for spirits which will be € 3.00.
Our buffet dinner will be catered by India Palace Restaurant of Scheveningen (070-3544457).
The menu will be Channa Masala, Daal Makhani, Aloo Gobi, Butter Chicken, Pulao Rice, Raita, Onion and Green Chilli Salad, Naan and Kheer for Dessert.

Please confirm your participation for this dinner by 8th May 2009 by e-mail to the Secretary, R.D.D. Gurnani (davegurnani@gmail.com).